Wednesday, August 31, 2011

August-cap

August, as seen through my phone archives.

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Sunday, August 28, 2011

Out of Towners

This weekend, my mom, my aunt and my 2 cousins stopped in to see me after making a trip over to Asheville to look at a college for my youngest cousin. 

I love having visitors.  I love showing off my favorite corners of this little city I call home.  My aunt is the biggest dog lover I know, and I just knew she was excited to spend time with Buddy and let’s face it – I love anyone who loves my dog.  And I was pretty excited to spend some time with my cousins, Caedran and Savannah, who are 20 and 17.  Most of our time together has been big family get-togethers, and since we’ve had more holidays in North Carolina over the last few years I haven’t really gotten to see them in awhile.  They’re on the brink of being such grown-ups, and I was really looking forward to getting to hang out with them and talk to them and well, get to know them better as silly as that sounds.

And obviously, I love any excuse for my mom to come visit.

It was such a fun weekend, although a bit whirlwind.  They arrived Saturday night, after spending the day in Asheville, and I took them out to dinner at Wen Hwa.  I was a little challenged trying to figure out where to eat, because Caedran is a vegan and Savannah is a vegetarian.  But I asked the Twitter and of course, friends Teri and Brian came through with great suggestions.  Wen Hwa, which I still refer to as Xia’s, was perfect because it also meant we got to take the Budster.  It was a picture perfect post-storm evening to sit on the patio.

My mom even enforced a no-phone rule at dinner.  I did sneak a Foursquare check in though.  Sorry, Mom!

On Sunday, I took them all to Whole Foods and I’m pretty sure little cousins were in heaven.  We ate lunch and then shopped a little bit before I dragged them next door to Yoforia.  (Okay, I didn’t really have to drag them other than that who ever really wants to leave WFs?)

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After our food coma, I dropped them off at the mall for some back to school shopping – certainly a highlight of the trip when you live in rural upstate New York, and your nearest malls are 2+ hours away!  My mom and I busied ourselves with some shopping ourselves, and afterwards we all popped into the Borders clearance sale.  Do you know it’s somewhat dangerous to take 2 teachers to a bookstore that’s going out of business?

After we were at the ‘til you drop point’, it was time to regroup for more food.  We wrapped up the night at Mellow Mushroom, which never, ever disappoints.  Mom wasn’t as successful with her no-phone-zone here, but I’m pretty sure the cousins are just texting each other about how much they love hanging out with me, right?

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I loved having my guests here, and getting to know my growing-up-quickly girls better.  I swear I can still picture them as being the little baby dolls that they were to me when they were born and I can’t believe my little one is going to college.  Now I can only hope she’ll go to college here in my lovely state of NC, so the family visits can continue!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Lazy

Saturday morning, 7:30 am:

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8:30 am:

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9:45 am:

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10:25 am:

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It’s a tough life being a Spuds.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Comfort Food

Today was probably the hardest day I have ever had at work.  I wish I could tell you why, but there’s this pesky little thing called HIPAA that I must adhere to.  Let’s just say…

Adrenaline crashes are rough.

But do you know what makes it all better?  Walking in the door at 8:45 pm on a Friday night and finding your sweet husband, after working his own 10 hour day at work, has made his famous pizza.

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And just like that, it’s all better. 

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Spur of the Moment Wine Tasting… Why Not?

I'm not necessarily the most spontaneous person in the world (ahem, planning my days off to the hour including times spent driving between distances?  Yeah, whatever the opposite of spontaneous is... I'm it.)  So I was a little bit surprised & delighted with myself when sitting on my couch this morning, thinking of all the things on my to do list today, I decided "you know what? It's a beautiful Sunday, I want to be outside."  I had a livingsocial coupon for a wine tasting at West Bend Vineyards, so I texted Anne to see if she wanted to go.  I was equally as surprised when she was free, since Anne's pretty much the most scheduled out person I know so, must be the spontaneous gods were looking out for us today.  ​

It was a perfect spent Sunday afternoon.  It was a reason to drive out to an (extremely close!) vineyard I had never been to, a charming little place where the wine was delicious.  It wasn't super busy in there, so the guy let us try a few things off the usual tasting menu and we rewarded his kindness by picking out a bottle to purchase.  We spent the afternoon sitting in a rocking chair, talking about life, love, careers, husbands, dance trance, babies, dogs and wine.  I'm quite certain there are very few things that make me happier than good conversation over good wine with good friends.  It's like the trifecta of happiness.​

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

A Very Good Day

Today, I had a lovely day off from work. 

I had one of the best outside runs I’ve had in ages.

I sold a bunch of books on CD back to Edward McKay and walked out with a new one.  Then I went across the street and made out like a bandit at the Border’s 60% off sale. 

Then I ate frozen yogurt for lunch.

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Then I cleaned my house.  I love a clean house.

Then I snuggled with Buddy.  (In a really attractive outfit.)

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Then I read some really amazing news on Facebook.

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It was a really, really great day.

And I’m thankful for that.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Self-Help

I was reading a book for work about stress, since lately I’ve been having almost as many stress management calls as weight loss calls (or the two go hand-in-hand).  The section I was reading was about different types of thinking that cause stress for people.  I nearly laughed out loud when I read this, because I think it describes me to a T.  It’s somewhat annoying to come across something that hits home in a self-help book isn’t it? 

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Sooooo, book, are you saying the world is not fair and just?  And my adamant foot-stomping approach to life that it should be is causing me stress?  Huh.

Life coach, coach thyself. 

PS, This actually is one of the best books I’ve read on stress.  And I think legally I’m supposed to tell you that I was not paid to endorse this book.  I’m not sure, but I figure CYA is the best approach in this case.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Heaven is a Place on Earth

Visits to Cherokee Lake are easily one of my most anticipated weekends of the summer. 

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I love the peacefulness of waking up early, taking my coffee down to the dock and watching the sun come up over the water.

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I love the excitement of packing up the boat, getting ready for a day on the water.

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I love lake doggies.

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And reluctant lake doggies..

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And our newest addition, lake babies..

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I love watching the boys getting higher and higher across the wake…

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And feebly attempting to do so myself..

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I love a long, relaxed weekends with friends…

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And one very happy husband…

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It’s pretty much the best weekend, ever.

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Thank you, Fuhrs & Forseys, for inviting us back again!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Thankful Thursday: Anniversary Edition

Today is our FOURTH anniversary!  I can hardly believe that it has been four years.  Since our wedding anniversary falls on a Thursday, what better way to honor it than with a TT post dedicated to my husband?

Please feel free to stop reading if the schmoopy gets to you.

Dearest Husband,

I am thankful that...

- you mow the lawn.  I did it once and it took an extremely long time and was hot and not much fun.  Thank you for sparing me from that, even and especially when I forget to tell you.
- you are unequivocally the hardest working person I know and yet at the same time, the least likely to complain about how hard you work. 
- you learned to snowboard and you taught me to wakeboard.
- you respect your parents & your grandparents.  And my parents and grandparents. 
- you built me a bed.
- you always tell me honestly how an outfit looks. 
- when I was unhappy at my job last year, you told me to quit complaining and do something about it.  I needed that.
- you have an insatiable interest in new adventures and traveling.  I am 100% certain we will never, ever be bored.
- you don't internalize your work, but you're never cynical or callous about the things you see every day and the patients you treat.
- you know how to shag dance.
- you are decisive.  (Luckily you decided you wanted to marry me!)
- you drive on long trips and late at night, and don't give me too much crap about always falling asleep on road trips.
- you rarely get stressed, and even when you do, you never take it out on me. 
- when I told you I wanted to write a book, you said "So write a book."  You've been my cheerleader ever since, as well as encouraging me with my coaching practice.
- you love the Spuds as much as I do.
- you humored me by going with me to the Gary Chapman talk before our wedding.  I don't think I ever told you how much that meant to me.
- you put your laundry in the hamper and your dishes in the sink.
- you love 90s rock music as much as I do - if not more.
- you value health and taking care of yourself.  And to that end, you'll eat whatever I cook... even when I'm "experimenting." 
- you wanted to grow old with me.
- you asked me to marry you.

****

I am in danger of letting this list go on and on... and though this is basically a "reasons why I love my husband" list, it really is a list of gratitude.  I think gratitude and appreciation are a cornerstone of a solid marriage, and I know that every time I stop to take stock of what I am thankful for my husband and my marriage top that list.  I am, simply put, blessed.  I know that every day, but I am especially reminded of it today.  Happy Anniversary, Matthew.  I am thankful for us.

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Reasons Why Today Will Be Better

... Than yesterday. Not that yesterday was bad per se, but it was just sort of blah. So I decided that today would be better. Here's why:

1. I drove to work with curlers in my hair. This made me laugh at myself, and laughing is a good way to start your day.

2. I have a diet coke on my desk. This is another good way to start a day.

3. It's Tuesday, which means dance trance, which I love. Love! Jamie says it best: "Dance trance is our golf." True that.

4. My husband has the day off, which always makes me happy. Residents work too hard.

5. My wedding anniversary is in 2 days.

6. It was 70 degrees at 6:00 am instead of 107. When you have a rambunctious doggy to walk, that makes a difference.

7. In 4 days, I will be wake boarding. It's been over a year and I seriously cannot wait. Not to mention I get to spend 3 days with some of my favorite people.

8. I went grocery shopping yesterday and I have 3 pieces of fruit in my lunch.

I think that the evidence is conclusive. Today will be a better day. In fact, it already is.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sunday, August 7, 2011

R&R

Oh how I needed this weekend.  It felt gloriously long (and it was - 3 days!) and relaxing and I was HOME.  Here.  In my very own zip code.

Don't get me wrong - all this travel and visiting and garage sales and weddings and baby showers - they have made for a fun and wonderful summer.  And we are taking off again next weekend to the lake, and soon football tailgates will start and then it will be the holidays and then...

Okay, so right.  Life is a little busy these days.  I laughed out loud when I got this comment on Twitter because it felt way too true:

kd tells it like it is

In 29 years of living with myself, I've learned I do best with intervals of rest and recovery built in, in whatever I’m doing – running, working, studying and now, apparently, my social life.  This was my r&r weekend and it was soooo needed…. and appreciated.

Thursday night we went on a double-date with Anne and Locke to Riverburch and discussed important topics like how to make sure Matt and Locke get a job at the same hospital with the same vacation schedules. Very, very important.

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Friday was errands and house-cleaning and dance trance and cuddling in bed with a schmoopy puppy dog and a hot cocoa and Big.

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Saturday was sleeping in and running and a blog date with this lovely lady and tackling an overdue project of cleaning off my desk so it can actually (gasp!) be used.

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Sunday was Y-ing and even more blogging (caught up?!) and Pinterest-ing and cooking dinner with my husband of almost-four-years (Thursday!).

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It was a much needed weekend.  I'm rested and relaxed and ready to run another lap.

Also?  It was my high school bestie Krissy's birthday and Kate & Charlie's first anniversary.  Happy and Congrats!

Monday, August 1, 2011

July-cap

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July, as seen through my phone archives.